5 Things To Do Within Wears Valley, TN
Posted by Leif Palmer in Wears Valley
Some folks are the type that like to get out and really explore the area, taking long excursions into the national park or to see the many world-class attractions found in nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
But we also know some of our guests prefer to be homebodies when they're on vacation, keeping to themselves within the confines of their overnight rental. We can't really blame them for that, considering that our properties feature luxury amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, fireplaces, wraparound decks and full kitchens, just to mention a few.
However, if you're one of those stick-close-to-home-base types, let us offer you a bit of a compromise. This week, we'll tell you about five different things you can do that are all within just five miles of our main office and most of our cabin rentals.
Go on a picnic
If you're staying in a scenic-view cabin, Gatlinburg isn't the only way to get into the national park. There's a nearby park entrance right in Wears Valley, via Line Springs Rd. It will take you directly to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, where you can snag a table and a grill and fire up your favorite picnic favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers.
Take a hike
And while you're at Metcalf Bottoms, you might as well find the trailhead that will take you to the Little Greenbrier School and the Walker Sisters Cabin, two popular hiking destinations in the national park. Both are great for getting an up-close glimpse into the storied history of the surrounding area before it was purchased to create the national park.
Go shopping
Right along U.S. 321 in Wears Valley, you'll find a number of interesting shops, including the Wears Valley Antiques and Crafts, the Wears Valley General Store, Mountain Brothers General Store and Red Barn Village. You'll find everything from locally made arts and crafts and collectibles to souvenirs and even home furnishings.
Enjoy a meal
There are several full-service restaurants within a short drive of your cabin. Whether it's a quick lunch on your way elsewhere or a relaxing dinner for two in the evening, take your pick from dining destinations like Grandmother's Kitchen, Gepetto's Italian, Fatboy's or the popular Elvira's, which serves a Smoky Mountain breakfast you won't soon forget.
Get a massage
Believe it or not, you can experience the ultimate in relaxation with a massage from Unforgettable View Massage & Spa. You can simply chill out to relieve stress or go for a full therapeutic massage – anything from Swedish to deep-tissue. Relieve daily aches and pains and enjoy some fabulous views of the valley while you're at it.
Ride a Ziplines
At Wears Valley Zip Lines, you can explore the beauty of Smoky Mountain forests while enjoying the high-speed thrills of a zip line tour. With lines as long as 2,000 feet and as high off the ground as 275 feet, this course also features great views of Mt. LeConte and other peaks inside the national park.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
Other blog categories:
Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley